The little village of Alaçatı, located on the scenic Çeşme Peninsula in the southwest of Turkey, is a sybaritic hideaway for affluent residents of Istanbul and Izmir and a pleasant surprise for the few international visitors who make their way to this lovely place where the cares of the world seem worlds away. In a region where ancient archaeological sites are as numerous as exquisite meals, foreigners who come to Alaçatı (ah-LAH-cha-tuh) are glad to have a beautiful place to rest after a day of sightseeing; the magnificent site of Ephesus is only 90 minutes away by car.  That beautiful place is called Bey Evi.

Bey Evi (which means ‘House of the Nobleman’) is a pair of traditional houses on opposite sides of a large garden and inviting pool area.  The ensemble of stylish indoor and outdoor spaces provides ample room for guests to enjoy the fine furniture, antiques, and artworks, not to mention delectable breakfasts to start the day.  The elegant living room lobby is complemented by spacious rooms where guests are made to feel that they are indeed at home in the house.  With only a handful of guestrooms, Bey Evi attracts an eclectic clientele seeking discreet accommodation with class.  They find it on a pedestrian street that serves as the main thoroughfare in Alaçatı’s Old Town. It has charming shops and restaurants where Turkey’s exceptional cuisine can be enjoyed indoors or out.  One of the best is Eflatun, where the historical atmosphere and friendly service match the excellence of the food.

It is customary in Turkish culture for people to move on to pastry shops specialising in sweets for post-dinner desserts. The cookies, pastries, and puddings of Imren are as excellent as the semolina halwa for which this  Alaçatı institution is most famous. Thanks to the flavourful resin from the local mastic trees called sakiz, many of the puddings have a thick, smooth texture. The same special ingredient gives Turkish ice cream its taffy-like consistency.

There are many things to do in Alaçatı besides eating incredible food. The town’s position at a narrow neck of the peninsula ensures that the fluctuating air temperatures over land and sea provide ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing. Cosy boutiques and antique shops sell interesting items that are atypical holiday villages. The staff at Bey Evi can gladly organise a private visit to a winery in nearby Urla, where tastings of unexpectedly flavourful Turkish wines can be enjoyed in high style.

Alaçatı is easily reached from Izmir’s Adnan Menderes International Airport, where an increasing number of nonstop flights connect the city directly with major cities in Europe and the Middle East.  A comparatively small facility, ADB is a secondary hub for Pegasus Airlines, which places great importance on its passengers’ safety, reliability, and comfort. As for the wine tours and any other activity guests seek, Bey Evi can happily arrange airport transfers for arrival and departure.

An enquiry about Alaçatı to an Australian tour operator supposedly specialising in Turkey elicited the response that Alaçatı “is just a small place for rich people from Istanbul to spend the weekend; not many Australians go there.” Thanks for the perfect recommendation.

 

 

 

Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

 

 

 

 

 

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